7 Myths demystified on thyroid eyes disease

ahsan65@gmail.comJune 2, 2025

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7 Myths demystified on thyroid eyes disease

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is complicated, with symptoms that can vary from person to person. It is not widely understood – even by health care providers in certain cases. Research indicates that it is generally poorly diagnosed. As a result, there is a lot of disinformation surrounding this chronic condition.

“In recent years, with the advent of pharmaceutical therapy for thyroid eye disease, it is a little more at the front. With marketing and television advertisements, he has become more commonly discussed, and people are more aware of it, “explains Allison Coombs, Do, the director of the Oculofacial Plastic, Reconstrute and Orbital Hospital in Manhattan Eye, Ear & Punt Hospital in New York. “That said, a good part of people have never heard of it before, that is to say preconceived concepts on TED. … There is a lack of understanding of the disease.”

She says that several common myths persist, going from which affects the disease to the symptoms it can include. Here are some common myths on Ted and the facts behind them.

1. Myth: Ted only affects the eyes

Although the TED mainly affects the eyes – causing symptoms such as bulge (called proport), drought, irritation and redness – the effects do not always stop there. “It is an autoimmune disease, which can considerably affect many parts of the body,” said Dr Coombs. For example, she explains, if there is a thyroid imbalance, there may be swelling in your hands or shins.

In addition to these various physical manifestations, thyroid eyes disease often affects people emotionally. “The most neglected effects are mental health changes. There is a huge psychiatric component, ”explains Coombs. “When someone’s appearance changes and no longer feels like her, it’s very difficult.”

That said, the impact of the disease is different for everyone. It is also possible to have isolated TED which does not affect other parts of the body.

2. Myth: Only people with Graves disease are Ted

It is true that around two thirds of people with TED also have a serious disease, according to the National Eye Institute.

But other autoimmune thyroid diseases can also cause Ted, she says. For example, Hashimoto thyroiditis is observed in around 10% of people with TED.

In addition, TED can develop even in people who have a normal thyroid function, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), or have made their thyroid removed.

“Farloque, we consider this a lot a clinical spectrum of Graves’s disease, but it is a distinct condition,” adds Coombs.

3. Myth: Thyroid eyes disease always causes curved eyes

This visible TED symptom could be the best known and affects just over half of people with the disease.

“The most recognizable, feared and memorable symptom is that really curved eye, but you [may not] have that. There is a whole spectrum of symptoms, ”notes Coombs. Another linked symptom (but different) is the retraction of the eyelids, where one eyelid is higher than the other.

4. Myth: Ted is always severe

The disease can vary in severity and progression, and many people have only light symptoms. In fact, only a quarter of people with inflammatory TED and only 5% of people with non -inflammatory TED have serious symptoms.

“There are a whole range of symptoms,” says Coombs. “They can be very subtle and nuanced. A simple irritation and certain types of redness can be early signs of Ted. ”

5. Myth: TED only affects women

It is true that women are more likely to be diagnosed with a thyroid eyes disease. The prevalence of TED is five times higher in women than in men, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

That said, men can also develop the condition and can have more serious symptoms. “Men can also have more visual complications,” says Coombs. However, doctors have not yet found clear and final reasons for this disparity.

6. Myth: The right treatment diagram can cure Ted

There is no permanent remedy for Ted, and even with the right diet, there are 5 to 10% chance that you can feel another push in your life.

Although this may be a reality that gives thought, it is also important to keep in mind that the more you are diagnosed and monitored by a doctor, the greater your chances of reducing damage caused by the disease. “There are things we can do to adjust the disease.”

7. Myth: People with Ted are never alike again

“You may think you will be disfigured forever, but you will not always have curved eyes or the retraction of the lid,” explains Coombs. But you might feel these physical symptoms for about a year, which may seem long not to feel like you. The disease will follow its course and your doctor may be able to suggest treatment options that can help you. “We can arrive in a place where it is sure to do a surgery and rehabilitate people and make them look quite normal,” she said. “There is hope.”

The point to take away

Thyroid eye diseases are often poorly understood, and many myths on prognosis, symptoms and treatment persist.

Myths on chronic state include the false idea that TED develops that in women or people with Graves’ disease.

The best way to get the facts on Ted is to discuss any questions and concerns with your doctor.